Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 30 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 28, 2013

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 28, 2013
(71)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:30 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Fraser, Frum, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Rivest, Runciman, Watt and White (12).

In attendance: Lyne Casavant and Christine Morris, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 7, 2012, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-207, An Act to amend the Interpretation Act (non-derogation of aboriginal treaty rights).

WITNESSES:

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.:

Cathy Towtongie, President;

Laurie Pelly, Legal Counsel.

As an individual:

Sébastien Grammond, Dean, Faculty of Civil Law, University of Ottawa.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples:

Betty Ann Lavallée, National Chief;

Ron Swain, National Vice-Chief.

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Towtongie made a statement and, together with Ms. Pelly, answered questions.

At 11:15 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:47 a.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Lavallée and Mr. Grammond each made a statement and, together with Mr. Swain answered questions.

At 12:43 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:46 p.m., the committee resumed.

It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-207, An Act to amend the Interpretation Act (non-derogation of aboriginal treaty rights).

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

The chair called clause 1.

The Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C. moved:

That bill S-207 be amended in clause 1, on page 1, by replacing, in the French version, line 6 with the following:

``8.3 Nul texte ne porte atteinte aux droits''.

The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted.

It was agreed that clause 1, as amended, carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill, as amended, carry.

It was agreed that the chair report the bill to the Senate.

At 12:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee